Attractions and Places To See around Gresham - Top 20

Gresham offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore the Springwater Corridor, a car-free paved path popular for biking, running, and walking through wetlands and meadows. For hiking and scenic views, visit Powell Butte Nature Park, an extinct volcano with trails and panoramic vistas. Oxbow Regional Park along the Sandy River is another excellent choice for hiking, picnicking, swimming, and fishing. For more detailed routes, you can find numerous hiking trails and MTB trails around Gresham.

Yes, Gresham has a rich history reflected in its sites. The Gresham History Museum, housed in the historic 1913 Carnegie Library building, offers exhibits on the city's past. You can also visit the Zimmerman House Museum, a beautifully preserved Victorian-era home from 1874, providing insight into early settler life. Both buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information on Gresham's history, you can visit greshamhistorical.org.

Gresham provides several family-friendly options. Main City Park is a favorite, featuring playgrounds, sports facilities, and open spaces, and is home to the Gresham Japanese Garden. The Mt. Hood Community College Planetarium offers interactive exhibits and stargazing events for all ages. For indoor fun, Electric Castle's Wunderland has laser tag, go-karts, and VR adventures. Blue Lake Regional Park is also great for picnics, swimming, and water sports.

For breathtaking views, head to the Viewpoint in Powell Butte Nature Park, an extinct volcano offering panoramic views of Portland and the Cascade Range on clear days. Another excellent spot is Shane T. Bemis Nature Park (formerly Hogan Butte Nature Park), which provides a 'Volcanic Viewpoint' with expansive vistas of Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, the Columbia River Gorge, and Gresham itself. You can also get nice views across southeast Portland from the summit of Mount Tabor.

Gresham embraces its creative spirit with several cultural offerings. The Gresham Arts Plaza hosts live performances, art installations, and community events throughout the year. Historic Downtown Gresham features public art installations, sculptures, and murals, including the colorful Downtown Gresham Memory Mural, which depicts the city's history and family life. You can learn more about Gresham's arts and culture at greshamoregon.gov.

For easy walks, the Springwater Corridor offers a paved, car-free path suitable for all ages. Nadaka Loop Trail is another mellow option with a soft surface gravel path, perfect for an afternoon stroll to observe local flora and fauna. Main City Park also provides open spaces and paved paths for leisurely walks, and includes the serene Gresham Japanese Garden.

Absolutely. The Springwater Corridor is a prime cycling route, connecting Gresham to surrounding metro areas through wetlands and meadows. From Boring, Oregon, you can access both the Cazadero Trail and the Springwater Corridor for more cycling adventures. There are also several MTB trails around Gresham for mountain biking enthusiasts.

Historic Downtown Gresham invites visitors to stroll through its charming streets, shop for local crafts, and savor diverse cuisine. The area is also known for its public art installations, sculptures, and murals, including large bronze statues, reflecting the city's vibrant cultural scene and history.

Beyond the well-known parks, Gresham is situated in a geologically interesting area. It's one of the few places in the US with extinct volcanoes within city limits, part of the Boring Lava Field. You can explore this at Powell Butte Nature Park or Shane T. Bemis Nature Park. The city also has a Significant Tree Program, recognizing unique and historical trees like dawn redwoods and giant sequoias.

The Gresham Japanese Garden, also known as Tsuru Island, is a serene oasis located within Main City Park. It celebrates Japanese culture and horticulture with meticulously designed gardens, koi ponds, and lush greenery, offering a tranquil escape and a beautiful spot for quiet contemplation.

You can enjoy fishing and water activities at several locations. Round Lakes Upper Dam in Camas holds back Round Lake and Lacamas Lake, popular spots for fishing rainbow and brown trout, bluegill, and bass. Oxbow Regional Park along the Sandy River offers opportunities for fishing and a sandy beach for swimming. Blue Lake Regional Park is also excellent for swimming and various water sports.

Yes, the Gresham Farmers' Market is held monthly from May through October. It's a great place to find local produce, honey, small-batch ciders, and handmade goods, offering a chance to connect with the community and support local vendors.